Pretty Cherry Blossom Trees for Your Garden

Japanese Flowering Cherries, Sakura, Cherry Blossom

Among the most popular and spectacular spring-flowering trees, Cherry Blossoms with their frothy masses of pink or white blossoms, usually signal the end of winter and reveal the first blush of spring. These ornamental cherry trees are not grown for edible fruit. While some produce purple-black pea-size fruits, they are inedible and appeal only to a wide variety of birds, including robins, cardinals, and waxwings.

Although ornamental cherry trees are typically planted for the majestic yet delicate beauty of their flowers, many varieties are noted for their multi-season interest. Some display wonderful fall colors, with their foliage turning brilliant shades of gold, red, or orange. Others feature fascinating bark, exfoliating, peeling, or shining like silk, adding a welcomed splash of color in the winter garden.

The cherry blossom (sakura) is Japan’s unofficial national flower. Celebrated for centuries, it is esteemed as the most beautiful and important of flowers in Japanese culture. In spring, during the blossom-viewing season called Hanami, flowering cherries are celebrated with huge festivals, parties, and family picnics wherever the cherries grow.

The term “cherry blossom” refers to seven species of Prunus (Prunus campanulata, P. incisa, P. jamasakura, P. serrulata, P. sargentii, P. spachiana (syn. subhirtella), and P. speciosa) and their cultivars. These flowering cherries come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and several are excellent additions to the garden. All are incredibly beautiful.

Guide Information

Hardiness	4 - 9
Plant Type	Trees
Genus	Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree
Exposure	Full Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics	Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts	Birds, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas	Beds And Borders
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

Pretty Cherry Blossom Trees for Your Garden

Prunus ‘Accolade’ (Flowering Cherry)

Prunus ‘Accolade’ is an award-winning early-flowering ornamental cherry tree, admired for its beauty. Its spreading habit showcases drooping clusters of semi-double, shell pink flowers, emerging from dark pink buds in early to mid-spring. The large, abundant flowers create a breathtaking display along bare branches. Ovate dark green leaves form a fresh canopy in summer, turning brilliant orange in fall. Smooth dark red bark revealed in winter adds year-round interest to the landscape.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid), Fall, Winter
Height	20' - 25' (6.1m - 7.6m)
Spread	20' - 25' (6.1m - 7.6m)

Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ (Japanese Flowering Cherry)

Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ is an award-winning, columnar deciduous tree, ideal for small gardens. It’s known for its profuse, semi-double pale pink flowers that bloom in mid to late spring. The fragrant, large, saucer-shaped blossoms open from pink buds, maturing to near-white with a purplish-pink heart. Its leaves shift from bronze-green to mid-green and finally to red and orange in fall.

Hardiness	6 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	20' - 25' (6.1m - 7.6m)
Spread	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)

Prunus ‘Kursar’ (Flowering Cherry)

Prunus ‘Kursar’ is a small deciduous tree with a spreading habit, perfect for small gardens. It blooms in early spring, boasting vivid, deep-pink saucer-shaped flowers in profuse clusters along bare branches. As the flowers fade, coppery-bronze leaves emerge, turning dark green to create a fresh summer canopy, and then brilliant orange in fall. With two seasons of interest, this small Japanese cherry tree makes a fine lawn specimen, ideal for gardens with limited space.

Hardiness	6 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Fall
Height	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)
Spread	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)

Prunus ‘Pink Perfection’ (Japanese Flowering Cherry)

Prunus ‘Pink Perfection’ is an award-winning small deciduous tree with gracefully ascending branches, renowned for its abundant and showy flowers. In late spring, it dazzles with bright double pink blossoms hanging in drooping clusters. The huge flowers, opening from red buds, feature 28-32 frilly petals. Delicate bronze leaves turn green, then transform into brilliant red and orange in fall. This Japanese cherry offers two seasons of interest, making it a perfect lawn specimen and an ideal choice for gardens with limited space.

Hardiness	6 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Fall
Height	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)
Spread	10' - 12' (3m - 3.7m)

Prunus ‘Shirotae’ (Japanese Flowering Cherry)

Prunus ‘Shirotae’ is an award-winning small deciduous tree, ideal for small gardens. It showcases a spreading crown and arching branches. In mid to late spring, it blooms with abundant, large, pure white flowers resembling rambling roses. The blossoms emit a pleasant almond fragrance and contrast beautifully with the pale green foliage. As summer progresses, the leaves turn dark green before transitioning to red and orange in fall. With its graceful shape and gorgeous white flowers, ‘Shirotae’ is a stunning addition to any landscape.

Hardiness	6 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m)

Prunus ‘Shogetsu’ (Japanese Flowering Cherry)

One of the finest Japanese cherries, award-winning Prunus ‘Shogetsu’ is a broad-spreading small deciduous tree with charming double flowers held in showy, hanging clusters of 3-6 blooms that can be up to 6 in. long! (15 cm). Providing a breathtaking display in late spring to early summer, the pretty blossoms are large, 2 in. across (5 cm). Light pink in bud, they open to pure white and resemble ballerina’s petticoats with their frilled 22-25 petals, nicely arranged around an open heart. The foliage of fresh green young leaves turns red and orange shades in the fall.

Hardiness	6 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early), Fall
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m)

Prunus ‘The Bride’ (Flowering Cherry)

Prunus ‘The Bride’ is an award-winning small, rounded deciduous tree, showcasing pure white, single flowers with bright red anthers in early to mid-spring. The appealing flat, open blooms emerge from pink buds and create a breathtaking display along the bare branches. With mid-green leaves forming a fresh summer canopy, the tree turns brilliant red and orange in fall. It makes a splendid specimen for lawns and is ideal for container gardening.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid), Fall
Height	6' - 7' (180cm - 210cm)
Spread	6' - 7' (180cm - 210cm)

Prunus ‘Umineko’ (Japanese Flowering Cherry)

Prunus ‘Umineko’ is a small, upright deciduous tree boasting profuse, single, pure white flowers, 1.5 in. across (4 cm), hugging closely the branches in mid-spring. The flowers have large petals and showy pink stamens which become more conspicuous as the flowers age. Emerging pale green during the flowering, the leaves turn dark green before turning brilliant red and orange in fall. A compact and attractive spring flowering small tree that is tolerant of urban pollution.

Hardiness	6 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid), Fall
Height	25' - 30' (7.6m - 9.1m)
Spread	10' - 12' (3m - 3.7m)

Prunus × subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ (Higan Cherry)

Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ (Rosebud Cherry) is an elegant deciduous tree that offers year-round beauty. It blooms in flushes from late fall to early spring, showcasing delicate clusters of semi-double, pale pink to white flowers. The tree’s lanceolate, green leaves emerge with a bronze tint in spring, turning orange and yellow in the fall before dropping to the ground. Its small black fruits attract birds in late summer.

Hardiness	6 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread	15' - 30' (4.6m - 9.1m)

Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-No-Mai’ (Flowering Cherry)

Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-No-Mai’ is a charming dwarf flowering cherry, perfect for small gardens. It features zig-zag branches with profuse, single flowers in early spring. The delicate pale pink blossoms fade from crimson buds to blush white. With a stunning floral display, lance-shaped leaves, and brilliant fall colors, it offers two seasons of interest. This free-flowering cherry is an excellent choice for small gardens, rock gardens, or containers.

Hardiness	6 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Fall
Height	7' - 8' (210cm - 240cm)
Spread	7' - 8' (210cm - 240cm)

Prunus serrula (Tibetan Cherry)

Prunus serrula, also known as Tibetan Cherry, is prized for its multiseason interest and striking mahogany bark. The high-gloss, coppery-brown bark features large, dull lenticels, creating a unique texture. This small deciduous tree showcases a round-headed form with narrow, willow-like dark green leaves that turn golden-yellow in fall. In spring, clusters of tiny white flowers appear, followed by red berries in fall. With its slow growth, it thrives as a specimen tree on a large lawn, allowing its beautiful peeling bark to be admired during the winter months.

Hardiness	6 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread	20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)

Prunus x yedoensis ‘Somei-Yoshino’ (Yoshino Cherry)

Prunus x yedoensis ‘Somei Yoshino’ (Yoshino Cherry) is a highly admired flowering cherry tree native to Japan. Its bare branches burst into a spectacular display of pale pink flowers in early or mid-spring, fading to white over time. The tree features ovate, dark green leaves that create a lush summer canopy. With its dramatic appearance and abundant blooms, ‘Somei Yoshino’ is a sought-after choice for gardens and landscapes.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid)
Height	25' - 30' (7.6m - 9.1m)
Spread	25' - 30' (7.6m - 9.1m)

Growing a Cherry Blossom Tree

Cherry Blossom trees do well in most gardens, and their care requirements are minimal. There are a few things to bear in mind, though, before purchasing a flowering cherry tree:

Location: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. They require at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to produce the best bloom and growth. Therefore it is important to plant your tree in a spot that is not too shady or crowded.

Soil: These trees prefer relatively fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with compost or other organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.

Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil and firm gently. Ensure the mature height and spread of the tree you wish to purchase will fit your intended area. The best time to plant is in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed, or in early fall, allowing plenty of time for roots to establish before the first freeze.

Watering: Water deeply and thoroughly after planting. Afterward, maintain consistent moisture, particularly in dry periods, but be careful not to overwater.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the tree after planting.

Pruning: Flowering cherries grow best if left alone, so it is best to avoid pruning aside from removing dead, diseased, or damaged growth. If you need to shape your tree, do so after flowering in early summer because there are fewer diseases, and you won’t remove the flower buds.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring, before the onset of new growth.

Winter Care: In colder regions, consider wrapping young trees or applying a layer of mulch around the base to protect from frost.

Pests and Diseases

While known for their beauty, Cherry Blossom trees are not immune to pests and diseases. Here are a few common issues you might encounter:

Pests

Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck sap from the tree, which can result in curled, yellow leaves. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can promote the growth of sooty mold.
Borers: Cherry trees can be susceptible to various types of borers which tunnel into the trunk and branches. Symptoms include holes in the bark, sawdust-like frass, and wilting or dieback of branches.
Tent caterpillars: These caterpillars spin webs in the tree and feed on the leaves, potentially defoliating branches or even entire trees.

Diseases

Brown Rot: This fungal disease can cause browning, wilting, and rotting of blossoms and fruit. It can also produce tan or brown spore masses on affected parts.
Leaf spot: Various fungi can cause leaf spots on cherry trees. Spots can vary in color and may cause leaves to drop prematurely.
Powdery mildew: This fungus appears as a white to gray powdery coating on leaves and can cause distortion or early leaf drop.
Cherry Leaf Spot: This fungal infection causes red to purple spots on leaves, which may turn yellow and fall off.

Prevention is key in managing these potential problems. Regular monitoring, maintaining good tree health, and practicing proper sanitation (like cleaning up fallen leaves and pruning out diseased branches) can go a long way in preventing outbreaks.

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

Which Cherry Blossom Tree for my Garden?

Favorite Weeping Cherry Blossoms for Your Garden

Flowering Cherry Trees with Attractive Fall Colors

Fragrant Flowering Cherry Trees for Your Garden

Blooming Seasons of Cherry Blossom Trees

Prunus x yedoensis (Yoshino Cherry Blossom)

Prunus serrulata (Japanese Cherry Blossom)

Prunus x subhirtella (Higan Cherry)

Prunus pendula (Weeping Cherry Blossom)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.